• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year

2

Indeed chief economist says we’re entering an era of ‘great mismatch’ thanks to a generational imbalance of workers

3

Microsoft reports are exposing AI's real cost problem: Using the tech is more expensive than paying human employees

1

Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year

2

Indeed chief economist says we’re entering an era of ‘great mismatch’ thanks to a generational imbalance of workers

3

Microsoft reports are exposing AI's real cost problem: Using the tech is more expensive than paying human employees
TechJustin Kan

Twitch Co-Founder Predicts ‘Twitch of VR’

By
John Gaudiosi
John Gaudiosi
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
John Gaudiosi
John Gaudiosi
Down Arrow Button Icon
March 8, 2016, 10:35 AM ET
Martin Klimek ©

Serial entrepreneur Justin Kan continues to invest in startups. The partner at Y Combinator knows firsthand how to launch a successful startup, having co-founded Justin.tv as a 24-hour livestreamed video window into his own life. That 2007 startup allowed anyone to broadcast their lives through unique channels. By 2011, gaming had become the most popular category for those livestreams, and Twitch.tv was born. Amazon acquired Twitch for nearly $1 billion in 2014.

The Yale University graduate has had success with other startups, including AJAX web calendar Kiko, mobile video sharing app Socialcam, and on-demand maid service Exec. He also remains entrenched in eSports, which he credits for the success of Twitch when he was running the company. Kan explains what Snapchat can do for his new take on Justin.tv, and gives his take on why the next “Twitch for virtual reality” will become a reality over the next few years in this exclusive Fortune interview.

What are you looking for when it comes to investing in startups at Y Combinator?

Founders, founders, founders. We look for founders that we think are relentless, hardworking, capable of building a product, and have some unique insight into the industry.

It turns out that many of our top companies, including Twitch, are pivots on the original idea of the founders. At the YC stage it’s very hard to predict whether a business idea will survive contact with reality. So we look for founders who are going to talk to customers, learn, and adapt.

How has your firsthand experience over the years with startups such as Justin.tv, Kiko, and Socialcam helped you as a venture capitalist?

It helps tremendously to have operating startup experience when advising startups. It is much easier to tell people how to talk to customers, build product, manage an engineering team, raise money from investors, and talk to press when you’ve done it before yourself.

What companies are you focusing on these days?

I’m building a new company called The Artist Union, which helps musicians promote themselves on social media with a set of free tools. I started the company with Ranidu Lankage and James Zhang. Ranidu has been a famous singer/musician in Sri Lanka and has struggled (but been able) to build an independent career and monetize online. We want to help other artists do the same thing, applying some of the lessons I learned from Twitch.

Also, I’m restarting my original idea for Justin.tv (a reality channel starring yours truly) as a Snapchat channel.

Why do you think Snapchat could be the next platform for Justin.tv?

Snapchat solved a lot of the problems we had with Justin.tv. The original concept for JTV was that we would give people a window into other people’s lives. The problem is that if that window is 24/7, when you look in at any random moment, odds are you are going to be bored. Snapchat built an elegant, incredibly well-thought-out tool to make it fun, simple, and frictionless for normal people to share snippets of their lives in an interesting way. While it sounds like I’m just blowing smoke, I really am impressed with Snapchat and I think it will become a huge media platform.

What role do you feel Snapchat could play for eSports?

I’m not sure the Snapchat platform is well-suited for eSports, or, rather I don’t think eSports is any better for Snapchat than any other kind of entertainment (traditional sports, music, etc.). I think eSports teams, event organizers, and fans could share snippets from events and people would watch those though.

What are your thoughts on how eSports has taken off with livestreaming platforms such as Twitch?

When we started Twitch I didn’t start off as a huge eSports fan, but I am now. I started watching StarCraft II as a way to learn about what content people wanted to see on our gaming section (then Justin.tv Gaming). Pretty soon I was hooked, and a couple years ago I started watching Hearthstone, and now I pretty much watch every day.

I think that eSports is clearly here to stay and I’m glad Twitch has played a role in allowing them to reach a broader audience and for the players and teams to start making more money, which can only be good for the industry.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.

What role do you feel eSports played in the success of Twitch?

ESports was the tentpole content that brought new viewers in to Twitch. Without eSports, there would be no Twitch.

What opportunities exist in the eSports business today for investors?

Ironically, investors became extremely excited about eSports only after Twitch was acquired by Amazon (AMZN). So far there have been investments in new video platforms, betting platforms, eSports teams, and eSports news media sites. I actually think the best investment in the industry outside of betting on individual games (which today generate the lion’s share of revenue), would have been Twitch, but that’s no longer an option.

Where do you see the broader gaming industry headed?

More focus on online competitive. More focus on mobile. Free-to-play is clearly the winning model.

For more on Snapchat, watch:

A lot of focus these days is on augmented reality and virtual reality. What opportunities do you see those platforms opening up for the video-sharing/YouTubers/livestreaming audience?

The problem is there’s not yet distribution of VR devices. However, that is set to change this year as Samsung (SSNLF) gives out Gear VRs with the S7. It is likely that a “YouTube/Twitch of VR” will emerge in the next couple years. It could be that this is actually YouTube or Twitch, although I think that is unlikely for the same reason that YouTube didn’t beat Twitch to the games streaming market—it’s hard for platforms to stay innovative.

The hard part is that there isn’t really any distribution of 360-degree cameras yet, and they are still expensive. The enabling factor for the creation of YouTube was wide use of digital cameras (and nowhere to put the content). As the cost of 360-degree cameras trends down, a VR video platform becomes increasingly likely.

Why should people think this current virtual reality hype is different from anything we’ve seen in the past?

It’s not fundamentally different from the hype around mobile as a platform. New platform means new applications and a new distribution channel, which means new opportunities for companies. The cool thing about VR is that we don’t yet know what apps will be enabled by a completely new UX/UI (user experience/user interface) paradigm. Probably some really dope ones.

About the Author
By John Gaudiosi
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

w
Environmentclimate change
The asphalt industry has a heat problem — and cities are running out of patience
By Aya Diab, Alexa St. John and The Associated PressMay 23, 2026
4 hours ago
SpaceX’s third-generation Starship, which NASA may use to put astronauts on the moon, makes debut in test flight ahead of blockbuster IPO
InnovationSpaceX
SpaceX’s third-generation Starship, which NASA may use to put astronauts on the moon, makes debut in test flight ahead of blockbuster IPO
By Marcia Dunn and The Associated PressMay 23, 2026
6 hours ago
Is a college degree still worth it? Here are 3 things it can teach you that AI can’t do
Future of WorkColleges and Universities
Is a college degree still worth it? Here are 3 things it can teach you that AI can’t do
By Jake AngeloMay 23, 2026
7 hours ago
Ashley Yetman
Commentarydisruption
Everyone is blaming AI for the death of ‘craft.’ Take a good look in the mirror
By Ashley YetmanMay 23, 2026
9 hours ago
Josh Smith, founder of Montana Knife Company.
SuccessEntrepreneurs
This 39-year-old quit his lineman job during the pandemic and built a $50 million company in his backyard
By Nick LichtenbergMay 23, 2026
9 hours ago
Jon McNeill
SuccessCareers
Former Tesla president shares the secret to success he learned from his former boss, Elon Musk: ‘He demands to only work with world-class talent’
By Preston ForeMay 23, 2026
10 hours ago

Most Popular

Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year
Success
Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year
By Preston ForeMay 21, 2026
2 days ago
Indeed chief economist says we’re entering an era of ‘great mismatch’ thanks to a generational imbalance of workers
Success
Indeed chief economist says we’re entering an era of ‘great mismatch’ thanks to a generational imbalance of workers
By Emma BurleighMay 22, 2026
1 day ago
Microsoft reports are exposing AI's real cost problem: Using the tech is more expensive than paying human employees
AI
Microsoft reports are exposing AI's real cost problem: Using the tech is more expensive than paying human employees
By Jake AngeloMay 22, 2026
1 day ago
Apple’s Steve Wozniak says he cofounded the tech giant after 5 rejections from HP—not to ‘make money.’ For years, his paycheck was just $50
Success
Apple’s Steve Wozniak says he cofounded the tech giant after 5 rejections from HP—not to ‘make money.’ For years, his paycheck was just $50
By Preston ForeMay 22, 2026
1 day ago
Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
Workplace Culture
Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
By Preston ForeMay 19, 2026
4 days ago
Current price of oil as of May 22, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of May 22, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerMay 22, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.